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Understanding Canada

As one of the friendliest countries in the world, Canada is a wonderful place to live, work, study, and raise a family. Canada is known for its quality education system, universal healthcare, safe cities, multiculturalism, and economic stability. It is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations, thanks to a very progressive immigration policy.

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Image of Canadian flag

By land, Canada is the second largest country in the world, at nearly 10 million square kilometres. Its ten provinces and three territories stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and north into the Arctic Ocean. Canada’s border with the United States is the world’s longest international land border.

Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The head of government is the prime minister. There are three levels government, each democratically elected. They are municipal, provincial, and federal. Each carries different levels of responsibilities.  

Citizen rights are secured by Canadian Law, including freedom of conscience and religion, thought, belief and expression, and equal protections and benefits without discrimination.

Canada acknowledges a number of public holidays and commemorative dates. Two days of specific interest to newcomers are the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.